Thanks to my buddy Neil for this one too! TONIGHT, from 5-10pm April 30th is 31 cent scoop night at Baskin Robbins! (There is a limit of TEN scoops per person. Oh, what will I do with such limitations?!?) No, it's not free... BUT all proceeds go to support America's Firefighters!!! (How awesome is THAT?!? Yummy ice cream AND helping out our local heroes!!)

Monday, April 28, 2008

Today was Matt's first day of prep on his next film called TABLE FOR THREE, and it's shooting here in LA! Yippee! It's with Starz new theatrical division, and so the office is right around the corner from us in Burbank. The film's story line is so cute! It's about this guy who gets into relationships too quickly, and ends up befriending this clingy couple who get jealous when he wants to find a new girlfriend, and all kinds of shenanigans begin to happen. It stars Sophia Bush, Jesse Bradford, Jennifer Morrison and Brandon Routh.

Matt was actually supposed to be shooting a film called PICTURES OF YOU right now, but it was pushed for the third time. Hopefully it will be good to go when this one ends in July I only hope it doesn't interfere with ODD BRODSKY. I guess the key is to not worry about it yet. I'm sure it will all work out. Right?

In case you were wondering what happened with the HANNAH movie that Matt was up for earlier this year: the director Peter Chelsom loved Matt, but ended up going with a DP who'd already had experience doing Disney films. The director sent Matt the sweetest letter (not an email!) saying he'd felt a bit of pressure by the studio to go with the other guy, and he thinks Matt is incredibly talented and hopes to work with him soon. He also said that most people in this town "say" these things, but he honestly means it. He seems like such a great guy.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Just got home from my women's group retreat in Summerland, California --up by Santa Barbara. The Goddesses and I (yup, that's our name!) celebrated our ten year anniversary as a group. Wow. Ten years! Where does the time go?

At our last retreat (in Portland, Oregon) I remember staying up very late one night telling Tamera (far right in the photo) the entire story line of ODD BRODSKY. Now here it is, all shot-listed, budgeted, scheduled, and ready to go!

It was a fun trip, but entirely too short. And I had a pretty bad cold the entire time! But I certainly had my share of relaxing. I enjoyed the hammock in back (see top pic) as well as cuddling with Flippy the cat, who lived here. We had great healthy meals, talked for hours, had fun on the beach, and worked on personality enneagrams (Apparently I'm a "5" Investigator and a "7" Enthusiast).

Friday, April 25, 2008

Last night was the 12th Annual Prism Awards Ceremony, which took place at the Beverly Hills Hotel. (My first feature PURGATORY HOUSE was a nominee in 2005 and 2006). Katrina and I had a blast! We met Ben Vareen, Jonn Schneider, and my favorite: Homer Simpson, who accepted the award for "Best TV comedy series episode" (which just so happened to be one of the categories I judged) on behalf of "The Simpsons" and Fox Broadcasting / 20th Century Fox Television / Gracie Films.

Other actors in attendance included Jenny Garth, Dee Wallace Stone, Meredith Hartley, Dr. Drew, Kathy Joosten (from "West Wing" -- who I know from when we were both actors with Theater Geo), and a bunch of others who I can't seem to remember right now. It was quite a fun night! Really well done. The show moved quickly, and even included a magic act. (It will air next month on FX Network). The dinner was delicious. Life is good.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

A film Matt shot called STILL WATERS starring Lake Bell and Clifton Collins Jr, will be screening at the Newport Beach Film Festival this weekend as part of the "Saturday Night Centerpiece Gala". It's a classy film noir inspired film that feels like a throwback to the 70's with a lyrical pace and stunningly gorgeous photography. Check it out Saturday April 26.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

This week I've been working on my Product Placement Presentation Packet. I hired someone who specializes in product placement to raise money for ODD BRODSKY, but before she can begin, I need to give her all the materials she needs... My brain hurts.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

I was so tempted to go to this open call for the game show "Deal or No Deal", but we just got home from Vegas, and I didn't have it in me to camp out all night. But it would have been fun! Katrina and I actually auditioned for this show, and were chosen to be on the pilot episode! But that was before they revamped the show and added Howie Mandel.

Friday, April 18, 2008

I noticed that the acronym for the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the acronym for the Screen Actor's Guild (SAG) are quite similar. They are both three letters with an "A" in the center, AND If you go five letters down from N, you get to S, and if you go 5 letters down from B you get to G. Same amount of space on both sides of the "A". Do other people notice things like that too? Or am I weird?

Lots of people have been asking how the SAG strike will affect ODD BRODSKY. I spoke with my SAG rep a few months ago, and he said I can probably get a waiver since we're an indie. Don't worry --It will all work out the way it's supposed too.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

I've been chillin' here in Vegas with my Canon buds all week, talking about the new Canon XL-H1S and XL-HLA cameras. We're staying at my favorite hotel: The Venetian. I love the big, cushy rooms here, the layout, the dual plasma TVs, the remote controlled curtains --and of course the giant bathroom with the deepest bathtub. My favorite Vegas eats are: 1) Capriotti's --I've had THREE bobbie subs aleady-- 2)Grand Lux Cafe --The roasted beet salad-- and 3) Paris Seafood Buffet. At night I've been working on the story and script for the second film I'm preparing tentatively called OFFICIAL SECTION. It's coming along great. I must admit I'm feeling antsy to get home and continue prepping ODD BRODSKY. (Although I've been making some fantastic connections for product placement while here). Life is good...

Friday, April 11, 2008

Just saw the world premier of "Secrets of the Trade" at the Black Dahlia Theatre, and it sensational! If you want to see a GREAT play, see this. The actors are WONDERFUL! The story was solid, contemporary, unpredictable, human, and extremely well told. The direction was top notch. I'm impressed and inspired. You will be amazed and surprised what this talented group does with a tiny theater.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Wow! I'm glad I have good instincts. I've been doing a little research online and just found this forum for the Trump Institute seminars I attended. The actual reason I didn't sign up for the program, was because at the end of the seminar the two speakers (Rick Brown and Wayne Grey --who, by the way, I can find NOTHING about them online when I Google their names), would not respond to some basic questions I had about the company. In fact, it was almost like they intentionally didn'twant to talk to me. Why not? Afraid that my standard questions may dissuade the line of people standing with checkbooks in hand. I was so close to signing up. Whew...

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Purgatory House got another amazing review. Indie Talk says "Bold, unabashedly artsy, fearlessly original, and nothing less than 100% provocative, “Purgatory House” is one of the wildest, freshest films that I have seen in a long time." Thanks Davy G.

I just attended a very long (5 hour) seminar for the Trump Institute. It was interesting. Their financial strategies sound too good (and easy) to be true, which made me pause. Not sure what to think. Overall, their wealth philosophies line up with the very same conclusions I have already come to. I almost signed up for the classes, but how on earth would I fit in yet ANOTHER project to my busy life?

Monday, April 7, 2008

Tonight Matt and I got a "sneak peak" of the three latest and greatest products that Arri will be unveiling at NAB next week: the new True Blue series of lights, the Arriflex 416 HS (a high-speed super-16mm camera capable of running at 150 fps) and the D-21 (the update to their state of the art digital camera, the D-20). Impressive Stuff!

We hung out with "Heroes" D.P. Nathaniel Goodman and "Dirt" D.P. Geary McLeod. Dinner was a yummy goat cheese salad with balsamic vinegar dressing, followed by a delicious chicken and steak combo with rice pilaf and steamed veggies. Thanks Arri!

Sunday, April 6, 2008

I've been dying to get a new sofa for a long time, which makes this victory all the more sweet. I was not sure how a red (maroon) sofa would work against our yellow walls. Thankfully, it's looks AMAZING. Wooooo! Yes, I'm doing the happy dance now.

Friday, April 4, 2008

Chris Wyatt and Shak (two producers whom I respect) thought I was at a place in my career where I should consider getting an agent. I haven't had much time to pursue this, but I did ask one of Matt's agents at Innovative if he knew anyone who'd be a good match for me. Well he sent the script for ODD BRODSKY to an agent friend and just heard back. The agent really liked the writing--said it a was very smooth read! Nice. He feels that scripts having a Hollywood theme are a tough sell. (Yeah, I knew about this taboo when we wrote it, but there are a lot of examples of successful films that take place in Hollywood too. Another rule is to avoid using flashbacks. PURGATORY HOUSE is filled with flashbacks and after it was competed, not one critic commented on the large number of flashbacks!) We're really flattered that he liked the writing!

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Now that's a title! Sometimes I feel paralyzed by Opportunity. In my strategizing out-of-the-box ideas to finance ODD BRODSKY I came up with an amazing concept for a new non-profit company that would help OTHER filmmakers finance their films! Although I came up with this idea three weeks ago, I haven't had time to work on it. I really need a team of people and an office.

Current Large Projects and "To Do's"1. ODD BRODSKY: Finish Financing, Confirm shoot date, get team2. PATRON OF THE ARTS: Mission, to do's, job description list, fill jobs3. MOSAIC THEATRE: Meet with Katrina, make job list, fill jobs4. OFFICIAL SELECTION: Decide on the story beats by 4/30/075. New House

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

I heard back from Greene Street Films. He said that ODD BRODSKY was a "very funny and unique script which has a lot going for it" but the subject matter was very similar to a film they already made a few years ago called LISA PICARD IS FAMOUS. Oh Well. Atleast all the feedback we've been getting is positive!! I'm gearing up to shoot in July (and hopefully use the Actor's strike in my favor!)

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

I think one of the hardest things about being self-employed is the discipline required to create an effective and balanced day. Having freedom can actually be paralyzing. My compulsion is to wake up in the morning and go directly to my computer (around 7am) to start my day and work right through dinner time (around 7pm). It truly is an effort to eat, bathe, exersize and take time for my spirit in the morning. Yet if I don't do these things in the morning, the day never makes time for them. Then I become resentful of doing the work I love! If I can discipline myself to take daily quality time by creating a morning routine or ritual, not only will my work become more enjoyable, but it will also be MORE productive! I just know it... Today I am committing to: 1) Creating a more reasonable Daily Routine. 2) Making the Master Plan for my 5 Current Projects (ah!)

About The Blogger

Cindy Baer is a director, producer, actress, activist and entrepreneur. She has directed and produced two acclaimed feature films and several shorts. Her most recent feature ODD BRODSKY is a quirky comedy about following your dreams. After criss-crossing the country screening at 30 film festivals and winning 20 awards, the movie is now available on platforms including iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Vudu, etc.. to watch instantly. The screenplay, which was co-written by Cindy and her cinematographer husband Matt, is also available on paperback and Kindle. Cindy directed a music video for the song "Hands Up" from the movie was well. Cindy's debut feature PURGATORY HOUSE, (written by and starring a 14-year-old girl she mentored in the Big Sisters program) won 11 film festival awards and 2 Prism Nominations, appeared on 5 critic's list for "Best film of the Year" and was distributed by Image Entertainment. Cindy is also co-founder of the California non-profit organization "Patron of the Arts". Their mission is to help filmmakers create new works and connect with audiences.

ODD BRODSKY's Fan Box

"Best Screenplay" at the San Diego Film Festival

ACCOLADES FOR MY PAST FILMS

WINNER OF 23 FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS

2-TIME PRISM AWARD NOMINEE

**ONE OF THEYEAR’S BEST FILMS**-ENTERTAINMENT INSIDERS,CBS RADIO,FILMTHREAT,eFILMCRITIC,FILM FREAK CENTRALTHE-REEL-CRITIC.COMROGUE CINEMA"Put the name Cindy Baer on the V.I.P. list of promising new filmmakers."FILM FREAK CENTRAL"Amazing! Brilliant! A cinematic gem that demands to be seen."Todd David Schwartz, CBS RADIO"An exceptional work"GRAND RAPIDS PRESS"Original and unforgettable"-ENTERTAINMENT INSIDERS"A remarkable piece of filmmaking."CREATIVE SCREENWRITING MAGAZINEA provocative, creative film that explores sensitive subject matter skillfully"THE CINEMATIC VERSES"Fascinating to absorband compelling to contemplate"-EFILMCRITIC"Rarely have emotions rung as true as they do in this film."-THE NUMBERS"One of the best films about troubled teens that I have ever seen."-Terry Keefe, Editor-at-Large, VENICE MAGAZINE""A charming, touching, clever and all-around brilliantly crafted film."-FILM THREAT"Powerful...Brilliant.It blew me away!"-Alvin Sargent, 2-time Academy Award Winning Screenwriter"Phenomenal, Spectacular! This film has to be seen!" -Laura Ziskin, producer (SPIDERMAN, PRETTY WOMAN)"Brilliant!...I have a relatively short list of independent films I can actually say that about. Cindy Baer’s light is shining as brightly as a beacon in the fog."-Rogue Cinema"Terrific! I laughed more during this short, than I have at most American comedies I have seen"-CINEPHILIA.COMFOUR STARS! "Actor/Director Cindy Baer does a great job of holding everything together on both sides of the camera to turn a slightly twisted idea into a very funny film with a great ending."-Pulpmovies ReviewsFOUR AND A HALF STARS! "knee slapping...funny, funny!"-Film Threat"A GREAT movie! Funny, clever, quick"-Chris Gore

Film Screenings

Woodstock Film FestivalMill Valley Film FestivalSan Diego Film FestivalSilverlake Film FestivalPalm Beach Film FestivalDances With Films (Laemmle)Vermont Film FestivalBig Bear Lake Intl Film FestivalWaterfront Film Festival (Michigan)Provincetown Intl Film FestivalOxford Film FestivalWorldFest HoustonQueens International Film FestivalPacific Palisades Film FestivalAgen American Festival (France)Hearts and Minds Film FestivalKids First Film and Video FestivalMassBay Film FestivalScreen Actors's Guild "Roll Film"Night Gallery Film Festival (Alaska)Valley Film FestivalNorth Texas Film FestivalFAIF (Mann's Chinese Theater)Fanstastic Fest (Austin)Blue November (Tulsa & Seattle)